Plus Joseph Goebbels. Nazi Minister of Propaganda and Public Enlightenment from 1933-1945. He was the mastermind behind the the propaganda machine that helped executed the Nazi murderous agenda. With the end of the war in site, he and his wife Magda killed their five small children and both then committed suicide.
I'm not saying that Patel or any of DT's sick anti-American picks to run our government would go this far but the fascist/Nazis in Germany began with the same unfounded hatred and lies about their fellow citizens.
The likes of DT, Patel, Bannon, and other MAGAs have vowed revenge against our fellow citizens "for the American people." DT has stirred the up same lies and ideas the Nazis promised "for the German people." Heads up everyone... GH
Stephen Miller is far worse than spooky. He is Trump's Goebbels and even looks like him. Goebbels was Hitler's Minister of Propaganda (and Policy). Hitler's most virulent follower; a had a dangerous ability and understanding of the use of propaganda to promote policy. As the war came to an end, Goebbels and his wife poisoned their children and committed suicide.
....in a BAD way. (I only say this in case some MAGA whackos are reading this and think, hmmmmm, "breathtaking....like a scenic view of the Rocky Mountains! Ahhhhhh!"
Which is one of the things that got us here. The MSM treated Hitler 2.-0 with kid gloves. It has been clear to many thinking, patriot Americans that Trump is an out-and-out fascist. But GOD /forbid that anyone gets called a fascist in this country, even they are exactly that.
Thanks Hal.... Gestapo is the correct description of what the FBI will become if DT and Patel get their way. Let's hope there are enough loyal Americans left in the FBI to gum up the works and keep him in check. Cheers... GH
Not to be picky but Heinrich Muller and Heinrich Himmler ran the Gestapo. Goring was head of the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force. all the best... GH
Patel probaly has studied all of this. I woiuldnt be surprised if he has photos of Göring and Himmler in his living room. From Wikipedia. "The force was created by Hermann Göring in 1933 by combining the various political police agencies of Prussia into one organisation. On 20 April 1934, oversight of the Gestapo passed to the head of the Schutzstaffel (SS), Heinrich Himmler, who was also appointed Chief of German Police by Hitler in 1936. The Gestapo committed widespread atrocities during its existence. The power of the Gestapo was used to focus upon political opponents, ideological dissenters (clergy and religious organisations), career criminals, the Sinti and Roma population, handicapped persons, homosexuals, and, above all, the Jews." from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gestapo
Hal - While they conveniently leave out that the country/people that they are modeled after were Not White. Like back then the current believers project their own idiocy onto others instead of seeing what they themselves are. Or maybe they see it but lying comes so naturally and it’s the price of winning at any cost. Back in Hoover’s time they were called communist but the name keeps changing even though the horrible things that they do/want don’t.
Right you are Hal. The boiling pot of shit cooked by Hitlers followers has been rekindled by DT's followers! Their list of opponents continued to expand until their demise. Expect the same from DT and company. GH
During the Civil War, at the siege of Petersburg in 1864, a group of Union miner/soldiers dug a tunnel under the Confederate lines and detonated several barrels of powder to blow a hole in the Southern defenses. Following the blast, Union troops would pour in through the breach and break the defensive line, opening the way to Petersburg. The plan worked, killing 287 rebels and creating a huge crater in the lines.
After fits and starts due to a lack of ladders to allow the Union troops to climb out of their own trenches, the units, comprised mostly of Black soldiers, went forward – and met disaster. During the delay, the rebels had time to regroup and poured a withering fire into the troops in the crater. Finally, the Northerners were forced to withdraw under heavy losses.
And where was their commander while all this was happening? General Edward Ferrero, a notorious tippler and politically appointed officer, was safely cowering in the rear, getting blind drunk in his tent. He was subsequently reviled in the newspapers and relieved of duty.
Drunk in his tent during a time of crisis. Now we have another drunkard in charge of the entire military. Does anyone sense disaster looming?
History rarely repeats but often rhymes. Yes, this is a disaster in the making. Just what you'd expect when someone who hates America becomes President.
Don’t hold your breath with the senate. The maga republicans are falling all over themselves to perform for DT. They can find no fault or even questionable qualities with these pic. I am surprised they can even speak with their lips glued to the ass of the god king.
The Congress seems even worse than the Senate. Until we get rid of the dark money and lies, we are not pulling out of this. The grifting from all of these insidious podcasts, YouTube videos, FOX, et al, is driving this nazi machine.
"Patel or any of DT's sick anti-American picks to run our government" are already going this far as the Nazis did. Substitute DEI for Jews. Substitute Patel attacks for Kristallnacht or the Night of the Long Swords. Substitute Stephen Miller for Goebbels, who once said, "The essence of Propaganda consists of winning people over to an idea so sincerely, so vitally, that in the end they succumb to it utterly and can never escape from." That's what's going on here. The scary question is how many of Trump's 77 million voters are bothered by any of this.
Tell the truth, I think they will go that far and much farther than our worst nightmares. Between Patel's list and the enemies list Trump kept talking about during his "speeches," I think we're seeing a replay of the Third Reich.
Think Stalin, advised Harold Meyerson, in the American Prospect a month or so ago. Good advice. Trump is not a fanatic like Hitler, but he is obsessed with power, and in Patel and others he has willing executioners. Stalin had millions killed with the help of individuals like Patel. If Gabbard convinces enough senators that she will be just as loyal as Hegseth, she will be confirmed. The state has an absolute monopoly on the power to kill. With the backing of this trio, Trump will have that absolute power. The President, with the support of the AG, of National Security, and the armed forces would be able to do whatever comes to his mind. It is up to the Senate to stop him now; this is the last chance!
Maybe weshould learn a lesson from the South Koreans. Hundreds of thousands of them took to the streets when their president declared martial law. He is now impeached.
King Shitpants would like his entire administration filled with Roy Cohens. One thing for sure, they're definitely sticking to the same sexist, bigoted policies. Thanks to social media, they will all put their grifting incompetence on full display. We have a front row seat to their functional illiteracy. Hoover, would shake his head. 😅
Excellent description. I watched 4 minutes of the hearing and thought he was pretty mob-boss like. He has nothing to recommend him. Then none of the others do either.
I love your comparison! Spot on! This guy is pure evil. The article was bone chillingly frightening. Where do these deeply flawed and twisted individuals come from?
...ah Roy Cohn, former assistant to Joseph McCarthy during the red scare witch hunts (and those were real witch hunts) who later became T****'s personal lawyer and mentor.he was the attorney for prominent mob figures like Tony Salerno and John Gotti. He also served in an advisory capacity to Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.
While with Nixon he assisted n a smear campaign against George McGovern's tuning mate Thomas Eagleton. Whole with Reagan he had contact with Roger Stone with whom he worked on a plot to split the New York liberal vote to help Reagan win the state By this time Cohn was also Rupert Murdoch/'s attorney.
AN interesting little circle there. that influenced government policy for decades.and laid the groundwork for what we are dealing with today.
He is absolutkey the worst choice ever. All Drumpf is doing is hiring Fox News people. Conspiracy theorists plus Donny hates the FBI and people of India so here we go. How bad was RFK ? Terrible .
Trump’s nominees are corrupt, unqualified; they are a disaster to our country and put our national security at risk; will do irrevocable harm to this country. Yet most will toe the line to suck up to Trump and please their MAGA constituents. Power rules.
Trump's nominees lack the competence, ethics, background, and character to be effective cabinet leaders. He is filling the government with loons, traitors, slackers, fools, blunderers and corrupt plutocrats.
It has nothing to do with actual qualifications at all. It’s like he’s picking staff for his old apprentice show, that really sucked for entertainment!
Time to wear these kinds of shirts the next four years! 👇
Heather, I agree but any blind man can see that. But how should we react to the chaos and misery this incompetent cabal creates? Call and mail your representatives? Fine...
Litigate against any unlawfull act? Fine...
But the chaos is growing. In four years there will be war, because Putin sees an opportunity. E pluribus unum, please explain...
Tom - I sincerely hope that we go out with a whimper, not a bang. Unfortunately, bullies and oligarchs are synonomous, and violence is the preferred method of resolving political differences for the republican party, which fronts for the oligarchs. All this happening now would be terrible on its own, but throw in climate change, and everybody "modernizing" their nukes, and i think the doomsday clock is a lot closer than 89 seconds to midnight.
No shit, Paul. I'm REALLY disappointed that Biden didn't LAY DOWN the law when he still had the military under his command. Talk about lost opportunity. Trumps should have been JAILED or possibly HUNG for treason, long before the election took place. We (meaning YOU, I'm Canadian) need ONE powerful Democrat who (sometimes....at the RIGHT times) THINKS like a Republican. THEY would have done (and possibly WILL someday) exactly what I'm saying Joe should have!
I think you're right. Russians use brute force Always. China however has never relied on brute force unless using somebody else. It will be quiet and polite As they encircle us with nations who benefit more from them than they do from us. They really don't need the Panama Canal Donald you idiot.
Patel being a "successful" child of immigrants makes his stance favoring lawlessness repugnant to the extreme. He inverts reality in the manner of his 'mob' boss. In the beginning as I understand, at least J. Edgar Hoover alerted F D Roosevelt in 1933 of the
Robber Barons' plot on his life (consult Guardian News archives). Sanctimoniously, Patel is already plotting on every decent public servant's life. This miniscule drump acolyte must be denied office if there is a shred of justice in the World.
Just left message for Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) at the Capitol switchboard expressing my thinly veiled contempt for Patel. Johnson is a spineless wonder who sent a packet with fake electors' certifications to the Jan. 6th vote count. He would have made the Norwegian Nazi conspirator from WWII Quisling proud.
And you can't use shame, past bad behavior, sex crimes or financial scams any more to disqualify them. Clarence Thomas and Brett Cavanaugh set that precedent.
He is absolutely the worst choice ever. All Drumpf is doing is hiring Fox News people. Conspiracy theorists plus Donny hates the FBI and people of India so here we go. How bad was RFK ? Terrible .
Yeah, the India thing, noted. Weird that Donnie doesn't seem to mind JD's wife though. (Gotta wonder what she "really" thinks of HIM however, after cheating Kamala out of the election.)
That's the whole point. They're his shiny objects carrying his water. It's the Project 2025 people who are pulling the levers. Leonard Leo is in charge here. The rest are fucking idiots. Malignant narcissistic psychopaths are master manipulators. Checkmate. We're in trouble, unless people say, "no." They don't know how to deal with that. It makes them crazy. Irrelevance is the cure. But, that's not going to happen.
It’s hard to even click a like button here. Seems like we need a ‘Sadly Agree’ button to click. This is the coup de grâce of Trumps picks. The death blow to life and democracy as we’ve known it. And I find myself wondering , where are the moderate republicans? I’m sorry but more elected officials need to object despite the long range perceived consequences. Toughen up, defend what you believe, not what you are threatened to believe!
They are terrified of FOTUS. The thing I don’t get is that if they all stood up to him, they’d be able to push back as a block and FOTUS would be held. But they don’t do anything except collapse as the weak kneed cowards they are. I do not understand.
I constantly ask myself why someone would sacrifice their honor, integrity, and self-respect to vote for measures they know are harmful to America and its citizens. The short answer is that while in either House of Congress, the ability to use insider information to buy or sell stocks is too enticing to give up. It's better to be filthy rich than do the honest bidding of the American people who elected you.
I’m wondering if that is because the American People that elected them pretty much sit back and just share memes of anger and disappointment on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. For a long time I have been outraged at all that is disintegrating before my eyes. Then I realized that my anger comes from “feeling entitled to democracy”. I had to admit and accept that I am NOT entitled to democracy. I want democracy. I want to build a well functioning democracy and I don’t know how. The Planter-Class-Supremacists that love power more than all else have manufactured a hoodwink on a very naive me. I thought democracy was just a given. I now realize if I want democracy, I had better be willing ( and I am) to learning to work and fight for it. Calling my Members of Congress daily is just one action folded into my day. It may not change the world, but if WE The People want to be heard, I had better start doing my part.
Thank you for this column. This is exactly my concern with him - he is Trump’s lackey, and it’s a return to Hoover and the witch hunt of McCarthyism. So dangerous to the American people and our Democracy.
The facts are Dems are NOT the ruling party. Republicans rubber stamp everything because they live in. What are the solutions and steps that we can take to prevent us from further descending into this dystopian, authoritarian hell. Everything they accused Democrats of doing they do it. They do not play by the rules. So what is our leadership going to do we already have a the Secretary of Defense. God help us.
Forgive me, but I have a post that is not directly relevant to this thread. I don't know the right way to do this. Here goes.
10 Rules for the Resistance
1. Democratic activists care deeply about preserving the constitution and our form of government. My motto for this last election cycle was: I vote to keep democracy. (Hope you get the double-entendre.) But most voters don’t give a shit about something as abstract as a form of government. We must be focused on actions and messages that voters do give a shit about.
2. Stop attacking Trump’s character, intelligence, or his intentions. We’re wasting our breath. It won’t change anyone’s mind, and only reinforces their resistance to anything we might say.
3. Our rallying cry should be pithy and concise and convey our vision going forward. Something like this: Return power to the people! Vote Democratic! – or just: Power to the People. It worked 50 years ago…
4. The underlying messaging should address the two concerns that seem to be persuasive: rising costs of living (eg, the power of unions’ collective bargaining to protect employees and reduce the wealth gap) and increasing risks of personal danger (eg, police funding and reforms that restore effective and fair law and order; actions to reverse climate change and the destruction to communities that it is causing).
5. So, do criticize the actions of the Trump administration that adversely affect our lives, always linking them to outcomes that will negatively affect our pocketbooks, or our local and national security.
6. Start local. No elected position is unimportant. City councils, school boards, sheriffs, judges. Get involved in ALL elections! If you can and are qualified, run for open seats in your community. If you can’t, help recruit those who can.
7. Break out of the echo chamber. Stay informed, so you can engage in open and respectful dialogs with those who might be persuaded. National leaders must spend a lot more time on conservative platforms: FAUX News, X, conservative podcasts, etc. Reach the youth vote with campus programs, engage young black men by enlisting and empowering the leaders at barber shops, etc.
8. Join forces with the Lincoln Project. Those ex-Republicans are far better than Democrats are at campaigning. The axiom is true: Democrats can govern but can’t campaign. Republicans can campaign but can’t govern.
9. Initiate a national campaign to teach everyone how to think critically and evaluate rhetoric. This could be along the lines of other PSA campaigns, eg, to stop smoking or end drunk driving.
10. Long-term, we need to reinstate classes on civics in our schools, from kindergarten to senior high school. There must be a nationwide program, with course plans appropriate for each grade level, to teach the history of America, the formation of democracy, and how the US, state, and local governments work. Key must be the civic responsibility of everyone to remain informed voters. Of course, the courses must be based on facts and not right-wing rhetoric.
Carol, I appreciate your hope and dedication, but unfortunately, these are suggestions that only work when the rule of law is in place. The 20th century is gone. We live in a surveillance state, and the techbroligarchs with their platforms and algorithms, and their starlink satellite internet communications systems, make any communication and organizing unsafe, impossible, and will eventually lead to intimidation, coercion, marginalization, and violence. Violence is the preferred method now of the republican party to resolve differences, as it is with any terrorist organization. Voting, by the way, is not necessary anymore; didn't you hear dumpster tell us that? the election infrastructure in all the red and swing states has been replaced with oligarchean financed personnel, machines, and facilities to elections management. it only cost pocket change for them, and they had four years to accomplish it. remember the audacity of hope?
YES!! People need to understand why a middle class is essential for our economy and democracy. Everybody, even the filthy rich, loses if the middle class shrinks any more than it has already.
Philip, are you saying Garland should have forged ahead with great speed to bring charges against the gangsta to prevent his even running again? That he was a stereotypical democratic leader..speaking softly and trying to reason and dot every i? All of that is important, but don't send Socrates into the coliseum against an amoral gladiator
and speaking of which, what kind of party installs the opposite party as attorney general? does that make any sense at all? oh wait, gotta look "fair" while the country is stolen in front of us.
Philip, don't forget that biden had 7 months to arrest and try all the coup d'etat planners. As soon as the rogue6 gave blanket immunity to the president for any actions committed in the course of his duties, one of which is enforcing the law, and acting according to his oath of office. It could all been over now, because swift justice, without recourse to endless delays and corrupt judges (loose cannon in florida) would have been possible. Imagine that they're all jailed and no recourse except to stand trial. Then off to sunny guantanamo. for life. remember, dumpster said death to traitors, so we could show mercy with life no parole (and no cheeseburgers). remember also that these crimes were committed openly and we all saw them. grand juries of normal people indicted them. all the witnesses were republicans! also, biden had absolute authority to jail dumpster once the classified docs were found in his possession. ANY other traitor would be immediately jailed, and have been, with very litte judicial favor or lenience. what a crock, joe, you did us, our country, and the world wrong. thanks
You would also think that Biden should have made prosecuting Trump a top priority, which means appointing an attorney general that could be counted on to do that.
What we seem to be seeing is the appointment of men who are there not to pursue justice but to support Trump in his nefarious ways. The voters have appointed a criminal as president. Honest appointments dedicated to furthering justice and defending Americans would be impossible. They would be a daily embarrassment to their president a criminal himself.
The fact is that Trump has no choice. He has to appoint criminals who, like himself, should be in prison. The result is that there will be no restraints on his appointments. They cannot do the work for which they have been appointed. The will be a means of increasing the chaos to society which gathers pace daily.
Joseph H Ladarski, the hearings should come with a trigger warning before the lying propaganda, oath desecrating, anti-democracy senators begin speaking.
Of all the idiots Trump has picked: a Fox News bobble head to head our military, a anti medicine crackpot to head our healthcare, a Russian spy to head our intelligence (do we have any left?) Patel must be considered the worst choice in the sorry affair. First, he nuts. Not just peculiar but batshit crazy. Next he is wildly incompetent. A no talent hack. Why not just choose Kari Lake or Ann Coulter? Or Snooki or Pat Sajack? The sorry thing is the republicans, not all of whom are nuts, just go along with it. I hope a dem with spine is taking notes.
Oh I'm sure he'll pass. I watched a brief few minutes (because I couldn't stand any more) and that miserable sob Lindsey Graham was going on about how Patel uncovered the false information given to the FBI and how the FBI still managed to get warrants against trump. Well, trump did the deed, he just will never pay for it. I don't understand why these people overlook that important point! Anyway, the senate is, in my opinion, in the hands of the so-called president so he'll go through just like the rest of them and not a one of them belongs in the positions they've been chosen to hold. I've lost hope for this country.
He’s a cross between J. Edgar Hoover and Roy Cohn on steroids.
Plus Joseph Goebbels. Nazi Minister of Propaganda and Public Enlightenment from 1933-1945. He was the mastermind behind the the propaganda machine that helped executed the Nazi murderous agenda. With the end of the war in site, he and his wife Magda killed their five small children and both then committed suicide.
I'm not saying that Patel or any of DT's sick anti-American picks to run our government would go this far but the fascist/Nazis in Germany began with the same unfounded hatred and lies about their fellow citizens.
The likes of DT, Patel, Bannon, and other MAGAs have vowed revenge against our fellow citizens "for the American people." DT has stirred the up same lies and ideas the Nazis promised "for the German people." Heads up everyone... GH
Your forgot the ultimate creep.....Stephen Miller. Brings new meaning to the word "SPOOKY".
He's the Jew who helped the Nazis in the camps. Worse than spooky. Dangerous.
Truly the most self loathing son of a bitch.
look up Nazi in the dictionary, and we see his picture.
Stephen Miller is far worse than spooky. He is Trump's Goebbels and even looks like him. Goebbels was Hitler's Minister of Propaganda (and Policy). Hitler's most virulent follower; a had a dangerous ability and understanding of the use of propaganda to promote policy. As the war came to an end, Goebbels and his wife poisoned their children and committed suicide.
Steven Miller is a C+ Santa Monica facist according to Jon Favreau
I can see Miller doing that. Wait, was anyone foolish enough to marry him? And procreate little baby Hitlers with him?
God, I hope not!
Miller is the man.
Could not agree with you more.
Exactly. The ultimate creep.
There’s so much hitlerism with all their Nazi fetishes, it’s really quiet breathtaking.
....in a BAD way. (I only say this in case some MAGA whackos are reading this and think, hmmmmm, "breathtaking....like a scenic view of the Rocky Mountains! Ahhhhhh!"
oh, but before the election, no one wanted to use the word Nazi...
Which is one of the things that got us here. The MSM treated Hitler 2.-0 with kid gloves. It has been clear to many thinking, patriot Americans that Trump is an out-and-out fascist. But GOD /forbid that anyone gets called a fascist in this country, even they are exactly that.
What really sucks the oxygen out of the atmosphere is the fact that so many "Americans" identify with these lunatics.
Actually, Patel aspires to be Trump's Hermann Göring with his own Gestapo.
Thanks Hal.... Gestapo is the correct description of what the FBI will become if DT and Patel get their way. Let's hope there are enough loyal Americans left in the FBI to gum up the works and keep him in check. Cheers... GH
Not to be picky but Heinrich Muller and Heinrich Himmler ran the Gestapo. Goring was head of the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force. all the best... GH
Patel probaly has studied all of this. I woiuldnt be surprised if he has photos of Göring and Himmler in his living room. From Wikipedia. "The force was created by Hermann Göring in 1933 by combining the various political police agencies of Prussia into one organisation. On 20 April 1934, oversight of the Gestapo passed to the head of the Schutzstaffel (SS), Heinrich Himmler, who was also appointed Chief of German Police by Hitler in 1936. The Gestapo committed widespread atrocities during its existence. The power of the Gestapo was used to focus upon political opponents, ideological dissenters (clergy and religious organisations), career criminals, the Sinti and Roma population, handicapped persons, homosexuals, and, above all, the Jews." from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gestapo
Hal - While they conveniently leave out that the country/people that they are modeled after were Not White. Like back then the current believers project their own idiocy onto others instead of seeing what they themselves are. Or maybe they see it but lying comes so naturally and it’s the price of winning at any cost. Back in Hoover’s time they were called communist but the name keeps changing even though the horrible things that they do/want don’t.
Right you are Hal. The boiling pot of shit cooked by Hitlers followers has been rekindled by DT's followers! Their list of opponents continued to expand until their demise. Expect the same from DT and company. GH
PLEASE, gawd, PLEASE!
Ah, YES, Gary! And the US has Hegseth for THAT role!
A word on Hegseth: HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF?
During the Civil War, at the siege of Petersburg in 1864, a group of Union miner/soldiers dug a tunnel under the Confederate lines and detonated several barrels of powder to blow a hole in the Southern defenses. Following the blast, Union troops would pour in through the breach and break the defensive line, opening the way to Petersburg. The plan worked, killing 287 rebels and creating a huge crater in the lines.
After fits and starts due to a lack of ladders to allow the Union troops to climb out of their own trenches, the units, comprised mostly of Black soldiers, went forward – and met disaster. During the delay, the rebels had time to regroup and poured a withering fire into the troops in the crater. Finally, the Northerners were forced to withdraw under heavy losses.
And where was their commander while all this was happening? General Edward Ferrero, a notorious tippler and politically appointed officer, was safely cowering in the rear, getting blind drunk in his tent. He was subsequently reviled in the newspapers and relieved of duty.
Drunk in his tent during a time of crisis. Now we have another drunkard in charge of the entire military. Does anyone sense disaster looming?
History rarely repeats but often rhymes. Yes, this is a disaster in the making. Just what you'd expect when someone who hates America becomes President.
He'll have the FBI.
THEY WILL GO THAT FAR IF NOT STOPPED BY SOME MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
Don’t hold your breath with the senate. The maga republicans are falling all over themselves to perform for DT. They can find no fault or even questionable qualities with these pic. I am surprised they can even speak with their lips glued to the ass of the god king.
The Congress seems even worse than the Senate. Until we get rid of the dark money and lies, we are not pulling out of this. The grifting from all of these insidious podcasts, YouTube videos, FOX, et al, is driving this nazi machine.
"Patel or any of DT's sick anti-American picks to run our government" are already going this far as the Nazis did. Substitute DEI for Jews. Substitute Patel attacks for Kristallnacht or the Night of the Long Swords. Substitute Stephen Miller for Goebbels, who once said, "The essence of Propaganda consists of winning people over to an idea so sincerely, so vitally, that in the end they succumb to it utterly and can never escape from." That's what's going on here. The scary question is how many of Trump's 77 million voters are bothered by any of this.
Could also substitute "pricks" for "picks" . . .
Tell the truth, I think they will go that far and much farther than our worst nightmares. Between Patel's list and the enemies list Trump kept talking about during his "speeches," I think we're seeing a replay of the Third Reich.
Think Stalin, advised Harold Meyerson, in the American Prospect a month or so ago. Good advice. Trump is not a fanatic like Hitler, but he is obsessed with power, and in Patel and others he has willing executioners. Stalin had millions killed with the help of individuals like Patel. If Gabbard convinces enough senators that she will be just as loyal as Hegseth, she will be confirmed. The state has an absolute monopoly on the power to kill. With the backing of this trio, Trump will have that absolute power. The President, with the support of the AG, of National Security, and the armed forces would be able to do whatever comes to his mind. It is up to the Senate to stop him now; this is the last chance!
Maybe weshould learn a lesson from the South Koreans. Hundreds of thousands of them took to the streets when their president declared martial law. He is now impeached.
Yahbut.......doesn't he "own" them, too?
Good one
Laurie beat me to it. It's a frighteningly accurate comparison.
King Shitpants would like his entire administration filled with Roy Cohens. One thing for sure, they're definitely sticking to the same sexist, bigoted policies. Thanks to social media, they will all put their grifting incompetence on full display. We have a front row seat to their functional illiteracy. Hoover, would shake his head. 😅
Cohn was gay and dying from AIDS and Hoover a cross dresser. I’m just sayin they come in all shapes and sizes. Hoover was probably a size 14.
More like size 22. Thick waist.
lol. Information I’m definitely lacking!
I think Mike was talkin HAT size.......thick HEAD!
😂
Or is that sick waste?
Very accurate. One scary guy.
Excellent description. I watched 4 minutes of the hearing and thought he was pretty mob-boss like. He has nothing to recommend him. Then none of the others do either.
I love your comparison! Spot on! This guy is pure evil. The article was bone chillingly frightening. Where do these deeply flawed and twisted individuals come from?
Where all dark souls come from.
...ah Roy Cohn, former assistant to Joseph McCarthy during the red scare witch hunts (and those were real witch hunts) who later became T****'s personal lawyer and mentor.he was the attorney for prominent mob figures like Tony Salerno and John Gotti. He also served in an advisory capacity to Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.
While with Nixon he assisted n a smear campaign against George McGovern's tuning mate Thomas Eagleton. Whole with Reagan he had contact with Roger Stone with whom he worked on a plot to split the New York liberal vote to help Reagan win the state By this time Cohn was also Rupert Murdoch/'s attorney.
AN interesting little circle there. that influenced government policy for decades.and laid the groundwork for what we are dealing with today.
Except he projects the intellect of a third grader.
I called MANY
He is absolutkey the worst choice ever. All Drumpf is doing is hiring Fox News people. Conspiracy theorists plus Donny hates the FBI and people of India so here we go. How bad was RFK ? Terrible .
Trump’s nominees are corrupt, unqualified; they are a disaster to our country and put our national security at risk; will do irrevocable harm to this country. Yet most will toe the line to suck up to Trump and please their MAGA constituents. Power rules.
Trump's nominees lack the competence, ethics, background, and character to be effective cabinet leaders. He is filling the government with loons, traitors, slackers, fools, blunderers and corrupt plutocrats.
It has nothing to do with actual qualifications at all. It’s like he’s picking staff for his old apprentice show, that really sucked for entertainment!
Time to wear these kinds of shirts the next four years! 👇
https://libtees-2.creator-spring.com
Went to a People's March and got a t-shirt: "Sometimes anti-social, but always anti-fascist" (for free!).
Heather, I agree but any blind man can see that. But how should we react to the chaos and misery this incompetent cabal creates? Call and mail your representatives? Fine...
Litigate against any unlawfull act? Fine...
But the chaos is growing. In four years there will be war, because Putin sees an opportunity. E pluribus unum, please explain...
Tom - I sincerely hope that we go out with a whimper, not a bang. Unfortunately, bullies and oligarchs are synonomous, and violence is the preferred method of resolving political differences for the republican party, which fronts for the oligarchs. All this happening now would be terrible on its own, but throw in climate change, and everybody "modernizing" their nukes, and i think the doomsday clock is a lot closer than 89 seconds to midnight.
No shit, Paul. I'm REALLY disappointed that Biden didn't LAY DOWN the law when he still had the military under his command. Talk about lost opportunity. Trumps should have been JAILED or possibly HUNG for treason, long before the election took place. We (meaning YOU, I'm Canadian) need ONE powerful Democrat who (sometimes....at the RIGHT times) THINKS like a Republican. THEY would have done (and possibly WILL someday) exactly what I'm saying Joe should have!
I think you're right. Russians use brute force Always. China however has never relied on brute force unless using somebody else. It will be quiet and polite As they encircle us with nations who benefit more from them than they do from us. They really don't need the Panama Canal Donald you idiot.
I came, I read, I liked and I bought a t-shirt.
Lie down with dogs.
Never mind "effective cabinet leaders".......how about just "leaders". Just waaaaaay to scary to imagine them RUNNING a gov't department.
Start with HEGSETH, the alcoholic, with his new staff of THREE MILLION!!!!!!
Patel being a "successful" child of immigrants makes his stance favoring lawlessness repugnant to the extreme. He inverts reality in the manner of his 'mob' boss. In the beginning as I understand, at least J. Edgar Hoover alerted F D Roosevelt in 1933 of the
Robber Barons' plot on his life (consult Guardian News archives). Sanctimoniously, Patel is already plotting on every decent public servant's life. This miniscule drump acolyte must be denied office if there is a shred of justice in the World.
Just left message for Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) at the Capitol switchboard expressing my thinly veiled contempt for Patel. Johnson is a spineless wonder who sent a packet with fake electors' certifications to the Jan. 6th vote count. He would have made the Norwegian Nazi conspirator from WWII Quisling proud.
Johnson looks like the headmaster of a White Christian Nationalists' boys boarding school.
And you can't use shame, past bad behavior, sex crimes or financial scams any more to disqualify them. Clarence Thomas and Brett Cavanaugh set that precedent.
Both sullied the highest court in the land. Unfit to wear tge black robe. Impeach the biased justices.
Miriam - It’s no longer a low bar when those are the same qualifications that T just got re-elected with. ;)
You're right, Miriam.
Shame---they have none
Bad behaviour---deny, deny, deny
Sex crimes---you mean "achievements", "badges of honor"
Financial scams---there's a sucker born every minute; someone has to DO them
Thomas and Cavanaugh will both burn in the ultimate Courthouse. Down below.
I hope they both have children and grandchildren so the guilt lives on for generations.
He is absolutely the worst choice ever. All Drumpf is doing is hiring Fox News people. Conspiracy theorists plus Donny hates the FBI and people of India so here we go. How bad was RFK ? Terrible .
You said that, already.
Try having original thoughts?
Yeah, the India thing, noted. Weird that Donnie doesn't seem to mind JD's wife though. (Gotta wonder what she "really" thinks of HIM however, after cheating Kamala out of the election.)
"cheating Kamala out of the election"
BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!!!
The epitome of stupid.
LOL!
Cry harder, leftwing hack!
You'll notice that Trump wants a dark skinned man to do his dirty work. Deniability? 🤔
That's the whole point. They're his shiny objects carrying his water. It's the Project 2025 people who are pulling the levers. Leonard Leo is in charge here. The rest are fucking idiots. Malignant narcissistic psychopaths are master manipulators. Checkmate. We're in trouble, unless people say, "no." They don't know how to deal with that. It makes them crazy. Irrelevance is the cure. But, that's not going to happen.
No. You and I need Kash to put the FBI back to work FOR the people. No more locking up little old ladies for praying.
Kash is anti Federal Gov and anti FBI. He is not cut out whatever fir leading the FBI. Zero.
Are you supporting Patel? 😳
It’s hard to even click a like button here. Seems like we need a ‘Sadly Agree’ button to click. This is the coup de grâce of Trumps picks. The death blow to life and democracy as we’ve known it. And I find myself wondering , where are the moderate republicans? I’m sorry but more elected officials need to object despite the long range perceived consequences. Toughen up, defend what you believe, not what you are threatened to believe!
They are terrified of FOTUS. The thing I don’t get is that if they all stood up to him, they’d be able to push back as a block and FOTUS would be held. But they don’t do anything except collapse as the weak kneed cowards they are. I do not understand.
I constantly ask myself why someone would sacrifice their honor, integrity, and self-respect to vote for measures they know are harmful to America and its citizens. The short answer is that while in either House of Congress, the ability to use insider information to buy or sell stocks is too enticing to give up. It's better to be filthy rich than do the honest bidding of the American people who elected you.
I’m wondering if that is because the American People that elected them pretty much sit back and just share memes of anger and disappointment on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. For a long time I have been outraged at all that is disintegrating before my eyes. Then I realized that my anger comes from “feeling entitled to democracy”. I had to admit and accept that I am NOT entitled to democracy. I want democracy. I want to build a well functioning democracy and I don’t know how. The Planter-Class-Supremacists that love power more than all else have manufactured a hoodwink on a very naive me. I thought democracy was just a given. I now realize if I want democracy, I had better be willing ( and I am) to learning to work and fight for it. Calling my Members of Congress daily is just one action folded into my day. It may not change the world, but if WE The People want to be heard, I had better start doing my part.
💙💙💙 feels like a better response.
Well said!
Yes to a “sadly agree” button. The red hearts everywhere to agree are annoying. 💙😢
Deborah - I have been asking for an “agree” button for a while now. Sometimes pressing the “like” button just seems so wrong.
Yeah, well, we Dems aren't exactly covering ourselves in glory. "Holding a meeting about this tomorrow" seems to be the best we can do.
Thank you for this column. This is exactly my concern with him - he is Trump’s lackey, and it’s a return to Hoover and the witch hunt of McCarthyism. So dangerous to the American people and our Democracy.
Watching now. The Republican committee members are trying to make his case for him. He isn’t even answering questions properly. A pure Trump shill.
None of them are answering the questions.
The Rep questions and answers have obviously been rehearsed.
a True danger to our democracy. A loyalist to a Authoritarian leader
The facts are Dems are NOT the ruling party. Republicans rubber stamp everything because they live in. What are the solutions and steps that we can take to prevent us from further descending into this dystopian, authoritarian hell. Everything they accused Democrats of doing they do it. They do not play by the rules. So what is our leadership going to do we already have a the Secretary of Defense. God help us.
Forgive me, but I have a post that is not directly relevant to this thread. I don't know the right way to do this. Here goes.
10 Rules for the Resistance
1. Democratic activists care deeply about preserving the constitution and our form of government. My motto for this last election cycle was: I vote to keep democracy. (Hope you get the double-entendre.) But most voters don’t give a shit about something as abstract as a form of government. We must be focused on actions and messages that voters do give a shit about.
2. Stop attacking Trump’s character, intelligence, or his intentions. We’re wasting our breath. It won’t change anyone’s mind, and only reinforces their resistance to anything we might say.
3. Our rallying cry should be pithy and concise and convey our vision going forward. Something like this: Return power to the people! Vote Democratic! – or just: Power to the People. It worked 50 years ago…
4. The underlying messaging should address the two concerns that seem to be persuasive: rising costs of living (eg, the power of unions’ collective bargaining to protect employees and reduce the wealth gap) and increasing risks of personal danger (eg, police funding and reforms that restore effective and fair law and order; actions to reverse climate change and the destruction to communities that it is causing).
5. So, do criticize the actions of the Trump administration that adversely affect our lives, always linking them to outcomes that will negatively affect our pocketbooks, or our local and national security.
6. Start local. No elected position is unimportant. City councils, school boards, sheriffs, judges. Get involved in ALL elections! If you can and are qualified, run for open seats in your community. If you can’t, help recruit those who can.
7. Break out of the echo chamber. Stay informed, so you can engage in open and respectful dialogs with those who might be persuaded. National leaders must spend a lot more time on conservative platforms: FAUX News, X, conservative podcasts, etc. Reach the youth vote with campus programs, engage young black men by enlisting and empowering the leaders at barber shops, etc.
8. Join forces with the Lincoln Project. Those ex-Republicans are far better than Democrats are at campaigning. The axiom is true: Democrats can govern but can’t campaign. Republicans can campaign but can’t govern.
9. Initiate a national campaign to teach everyone how to think critically and evaluate rhetoric. This could be along the lines of other PSA campaigns, eg, to stop smoking or end drunk driving.
10. Long-term, we need to reinstate classes on civics in our schools, from kindergarten to senior high school. There must be a nationwide program, with course plans appropriate for each grade level, to teach the history of America, the formation of democracy, and how the US, state, and local governments work. Key must be the civic responsibility of everyone to remain informed voters. Of course, the courses must be based on facts and not right-wing rhetoric.
Carol, I appreciate your hope and dedication, but unfortunately, these are suggestions that only work when the rule of law is in place. The 20th century is gone. We live in a surveillance state, and the techbroligarchs with their platforms and algorithms, and their starlink satellite internet communications systems, make any communication and organizing unsafe, impossible, and will eventually lead to intimidation, coercion, marginalization, and violence. Violence is the preferred method now of the republican party to resolve differences, as it is with any terrorist organization. Voting, by the way, is not necessary anymore; didn't you hear dumpster tell us that? the election infrastructure in all the red and swing states has been replaced with oligarchean financed personnel, machines, and facilities to elections management. it only cost pocket change for them, and they had four years to accomplish it. remember the audacity of hope?
11. It's the class struggle, stupid.
YES!! People need to understand why a middle class is essential for our economy and democracy. Everybody, even the filthy rich, loses if the middle class shrinks any more than it has already.
Our government and our society have collapsed.
You can thank Garland for all of this.
McConnell is to blame! He knew better. He let Trump happen.
History will reflect ... McConnell let American Democracy down!
Philip, are you saying Garland should have forged ahead with great speed to bring charges against the gangsta to prevent his even running again? That he was a stereotypical democratic leader..speaking softly and trying to reason and dot every i? All of that is important, but don't send Socrates into the coliseum against an amoral gladiator
Actually, Garland is a Republican, so it makes sense that he dragged his feet on prosecuting FOTUS.
and speaking of which, what kind of party installs the opposite party as attorney general? does that make any sense at all? oh wait, gotta look "fair" while the country is stolen in front of us.
And the useless Harrison DNC!
Philip, don't forget that biden had 7 months to arrest and try all the coup d'etat planners. As soon as the rogue6 gave blanket immunity to the president for any actions committed in the course of his duties, one of which is enforcing the law, and acting according to his oath of office. It could all been over now, because swift justice, without recourse to endless delays and corrupt judges (loose cannon in florida) would have been possible. Imagine that they're all jailed and no recourse except to stand trial. Then off to sunny guantanamo. for life. remember, dumpster said death to traitors, so we could show mercy with life no parole (and no cheeseburgers). remember also that these crimes were committed openly and we all saw them. grand juries of normal people indicted them. all the witnesses were republicans! also, biden had absolute authority to jail dumpster once the classified docs were found in his possession. ANY other traitor would be immediately jailed, and have been, with very litte judicial favor or lenience. what a crock, joe, you did us, our country, and the world wrong. thanks
You would also think that Biden should have made prosecuting Trump a top priority, which means appointing an attorney general that could be counted on to do that.
That is a ridiculous comment.
What we seem to be seeing is the appointment of men who are there not to pursue justice but to support Trump in his nefarious ways. The voters have appointed a criminal as president. Honest appointments dedicated to furthering justice and defending Americans would be impossible. They would be a daily embarrassment to their president a criminal himself.
The fact is that Trump has no choice. He has to appoint criminals who, like himself, should be in prison. The result is that there will be no restraints on his appointments. They cannot do the work for which they have been appointed. The will be a means of increasing the chaos to society which gathers pace daily.
Sad…but 💯% true
Does Kash cross dress as well? Lol
😂
Like George Santos? Same crowd.
Not sure he can dress himself
He looks it.
I heard Sen. Whitehouse talk and then Sen. Grassley came on and after 5 seconds I became angry and I had to shut it off.
GrASShole is a moron.
Joseph H Ladarski, the hearings should come with a trigger warning before the lying propaganda, oath desecrating, anti-democracy senators begin speaking.
I don't watch because I'm afraid my blood pressure med won't be enough.
Of all the idiots Trump has picked: a Fox News bobble head to head our military, a anti medicine crackpot to head our healthcare, a Russian spy to head our intelligence (do we have any left?) Patel must be considered the worst choice in the sorry affair. First, he nuts. Not just peculiar but batshit crazy. Next he is wildly incompetent. A no talent hack. Why not just choose Kari Lake or Ann Coulter? Or Snooki or Pat Sajack? The sorry thing is the republicans, not all of whom are nuts, just go along with it. I hope a dem with spine is taking notes.
This really is terrifying! Much worse than the McCarthy era and J. Edgar.
unfortunately the repubs are in lockstep-if they approved hegseth they'll approve anybody
A cockroach would be a better choice than Patel.
they say cockroaches might survive a nuclear war-i wonder...
I’m willing to put Patel in the front row at the “test” and try it out.
Oh I'm sure he'll pass. I watched a brief few minutes (because I couldn't stand any more) and that miserable sob Lindsey Graham was going on about how Patel uncovered the false information given to the FBI and how the FBI still managed to get warrants against trump. Well, trump did the deed, he just will never pay for it. I don't understand why these people overlook that important point! Anyway, the senate is, in my opinion, in the hands of the so-called president so he'll go through just like the rest of them and not a one of them belongs in the positions they've been chosen to hold. I've lost hope for this country.